Prediction: Sweden vs Romania

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Bet365

Sweden and Romania meet head-on on Saturday, for the first time in a quarter of a century – indeed, since their historic clash in the quarterfinals of the 1994 World Cup in the USA which saw the Scandinavians progress on penalties.

Romania, meanwhile, though also doing well and staying undefeated in six games of the competition, failed to beat Serbia to the top spot.

Sweden

This is the opening game of their respective Euro 2020 qualifying campaigns, but Sweden have already secured a place in the play-offs if need be, by topping their Nations League group ahead of Russia and Turkey.

They have a reasonably good chance to reach the final tournament which will be hosted by 12 cities across the continent, despite the group also containing the likes of Spain and fellow Scandinavians Norway.

Team News

The biggest piece of news concerning the Swedish team is the withdrawal of Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof from the squad, reportedly due to personal reasons. Martin Olsson of Swansea City and Pontus Jansson of Leeds United are unavailable through injury, and those three absences combined might cause a few defensive worries for coach Janne Andersson.

Romania

Unlike Sweden, the Romanians have absolutely everything to play for and absolutely nothing to lose. They also did well in their Nations League group, but still failed to finish top as Serbia pipped them to it. They have been on good form recently, and coach Cosmin Contra, who accumulated 70 caps as a player for his country, is gradually earning the status of an exciting young tactician.

It is to be expected that they will give absolutely everything to do well in these qualifications and potentially surprise some of the bigger names in the group.

Team News

The Swedes may be missing three centre-backs, but Contra will be without three strikers. Florin Andone of Brighton and Hove Albion, Gheoghe Grozav of Kisvarda FC and George Tucudean of CFR Cluj are all out injured, as is Napoli centre-back Vlad Chiriches.

Conclusion

Despite Sweden arguably possessing more quality, the drive and motivation of the Romanians should be just enough for them to get something from this game. They will likely have to, if they are to have any hope of reaching the final tournament next year.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Bet365